Diversity Plan Gets Mixed Reviews

The proposed package of recommendations for improving educational quality and exposing students to racial diversity could have far-reaching implications, depending on whether town leaders participate.

But of the approximately 15 people who attended the hearing at the town's high school auditorium, eight people chose to address the joint session of the school board and the council. Of that number, three spoke in favor of the report and three more opposed it.

Opponents said they feared the loss of town control, if Wethersfield should submit to any cooperative venture with surrounding school districts.

Moreover, an issue this sensitive demands approval by a townwide vote at referendum, they argued. The council is scheduled to act on the report Monday, and the school board the following night. Residents will have last chances to lodge opinions at those meetings.

``I'm against this plan totally,'' resident Steven LaCava said. ``If you teach your kids respect at home, I don't care what group you are talking about . . . they will respect all people.

``All this is is political correctness of the 90s,'' LaCava said.

The submission of reports from 11 regional committees throughout the state was mandated by Connecticut legislators last year. Wethersfield representatives were part of a committee that included leaders from Hartford and 20 other surrounding municipalities. The recommendations are aimed at breaking down economic and racial barriers segregating cities and suburbs.

However, participation isn't mandatory. Moreover, committee members, who spent nine months drafting the report, have made clear that municipalities are unwilling to pick up the tab for any of the initiatives.

``Even though we are afraid of all the things in the city, when are we going to do something?'' resident Choong How asked. ``Otherwise, what will our children inherit?''

The report recommends such steps as broadening curriculum to reflect more cultures, creating magnet schools, offering sensitivity training and multicultural programs. The report also recommends opening a regional language-resource center and hiring a multicultural staff to operate it.

To encourage integration, the committee recommended the following: Assistance for families seeking housing; and grants to improve mass transit and make suburbs more accessible to lower-income families.

School board Chairwoman Helena Tench said the proposals emphasize academic achievement and parent involvement. The proposals doesn't bypass local control or force busing, Tench said.

But resident Harold Booker disagreed. Any state aid to carry out proposed initiatives is apt to carry stipulations, Booker argued. Also, involvement in any regional proposals to increase diversity will detracts from what should be the schools' goal -- mastery of basic skills, Booker said.

``Regionalism is a hoax being played upon people in the suburbs,'' Booker said.